Story perspectives

Disney Retains ESPN, Pushes Streaming, Fantasy, Betting

4/29/2026

Summary

Disney Keeps ESPN

Disney decided to keep full ownership of ESPN, avoiding a spin-off.
CEO Josh D’Amaro, who assumed the role in early 2026, called the move streaming-first.
Disney will keep ESPN on cable, in Hulu/Disney+ bundles, and on its own app.
ESPN is adding short-form video, fantasy sports and betting content where allowed.
Analysts say retaining ESPN stabilizes revenue as Disney cut staff to sharpen technology and content focus.

Summary

Disney Under Probe

The Federal Communications Commission launched a probe of Disney's ABC licenses after President Donald Trump urged the company to fire Jimmy Kimmel.
ESPN, which earned $17.7 billion—19 % of Disney's $94.4 billion revenue—offers subscriptions at $75/month cable, $35.99/month Hulu/Disney+ bundle, or $299.99/year standalone, moving outside the cable bundle in August 2025.
Analysts estimate Disney loses $30 million weekly from a YouTube TV blackout, which the FCC probe may compound by complicating its streaming plans.

Summary

Disney Buys NFL

Disney bought NFL Media assets for $3 billion, giving the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN.
ESPN is owned 72% by Disney, 18% by Hearst, and 10% by NFL.
Disney can repurchase the NFL’s 10% stake after July 2034 at 70% of market price with a 10-year note.
ESPN laid off staff after a $110 million drop in sports income from the YouTube TV blackout.
Q1 total-day viewership rose 7% to 937,000 viewers.

History

Historical Context

In February 1996 Disney bought Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion, acquiring an 80% stake in ESPN and drawing FTC approval. The 2020 reorganization placed ESPN under Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, while a 2016 BAMTech investment launched ESPN+. Disney’s 2026 choice to keep ESPN amid an FCC probe mirrors the original antitrust review of that 1996 acquisition.

1 of 4

Disney Keeps ESPN

Disney decided to keep full ownership of ESPN, avoiding a spin-off.
CEO Josh D’Amaro, who assumed the role in early 2026, called the move streaming-first.
Disney will keep ESPN on cable, in Hulu/Disney+ bundles, and on its own app.
ESPN is adding short-form video, fantasy sports and betting content where allowed.
Analysts say retaining ESPN stabilizes revenue as Disney cut staff to sharpen technology and content focus.

1 / 4